Largest Gravity Drop Pile Hammer Finishes Proving Questionable Piers In Tampa
Reported From: APE Southeast (FL)
APE’s Model 750 with an 120,000 lb ram and six foot six inch stroke (6 foot 6 inches) has successfully tested the questionable piers on the new bridge in Tampa Florida. One pier sank 11 feet while constructing the bridge. The big hammer was placed on the piers and struck the piers with six blows of varying drop height. Some piers moved as much as two inches. The 750 hydraulic system allowed the engineers to lift the ram and hold it into a freeze stroke position while engineers measured the exact drop height. Nylon hammer cushion was used and the striker plate was 38 inch thick forged steel made in USA. The 120,000 forged ram was made in Shanghai, China.
Good job to Steve Cress of APE California and to APE Florida.
Photo credit: Mohamad Hussein – GRL Engineers, Inc.
